This Thanksgiving, as we gather to share in the abundance of our nation’s harvest, we are reminded of a sobering reality: the very foundation that once sustained our society—the nuclear family—is eroding. Were the Pilgrims to witness our modern-day America, would they recognize the nation they discovered? Or would they question how the family unit, once vital to their survival, has became so fragile, so fragmented?

In 1621, the Pilgrims didn’t merely celebrate a harvest—they gave thanks for the strength of their families which had carried them through scarcity and adversity. As William Bradford wrote in Of Plymouth Plantation, “They would not have come here but for the great care they had for their families and the safety of their children.” Family wasn’t just a support system for the early settlers—it was the very structure upon which their community and survival rested.

Bradford’s words remind us that the Pilgrims’ ability to endure as families was the bedrock upon which the future of America was built. As he wrote, “And so they went on in the face of hardship, for their children’s sake, for the sake of preserving a lasting legacy.” The strength of the family was more than a necessity; it was the very key to their survival and success.

Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The nuclear family, once the cornerstone of American life, is actively being dismantled, and its decline has viral consequences to society. In place of a unified family structure, we see fragmentation—families breaking apart, children growing up in unstable homes, and communities bearing the weight of this societal shift. This erosion is not merely theoretical; the impacts are real, measurable, and undeniable.

The Forgotten Foundation of a Flourishing Nation

What began as a challenge to traditional marriage—“Why can’t it just be love?”—has turned into a sweeping cultural movement that redefines family, marriage, and gender. For many, the notion that marriage is a sacred bond between one man and one woman has been reduced to a question of personal preference. But what’s the harm in redefining the family? The harm is both real and widespread.

Studies consistently show that children raised in father-absent households face a higher risk of living in poverty, struggling academically, and experiencing behavioral issues. Research indicates that such children are four times more likely to live in poverty and seven times more likely to experience teen pregnancy compared to their peers from intact families. These consequences are not limited to childhood; they extend into adulthood, affecting mental health, relationships, and career success.

Children raised in father-absent homes are significantly more likely to face challenges in education, mental health, and future relationships. Studies show that fatherlessness is linked to higher rates of school dropout, criminal behavior, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. These issues often continue into adulthood, affecting the ability of these individuals to lead stable, successful lives. The consequences of fatherlessness extend far beyond childhood, creating a ripple effect that impacts not only the individual but society as a whole.

The Ripple Effect of Fatherlessness

The impact of fatherlessness is even more pronounced. The National Fatherhood Initiative reports that children who grow up without a father in the home are significantly more likely to face challenges in education, mental health, and their future relationships. Studies show that fatherlessness is linked to higher rates of school dropout, criminal behavior, and substance abuse. These statistics paint a grim picture of the long-term effects of family breakdown, with consequences that reverberate throughout society.

The absence of a father also has profound emotional and developmental consequences. Fatherlessness is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. These issues often continue into adulthood, affecting relationships and overall mental health. The ripple effect of fatherlessness stretches far beyond childhood, influencing the ability of these children to lead stable, successful lives as adults.

Building a Strong Society through Strong Marriages

Moreover, marriage provides a critical protective factor for children. Stable marriages offer emotional and financial stability that is essential for a child’s development. Children raised in such environments are less likely to face poverty, abuse, or emotional difficulties. The benefits of marriage extend beyond the family unit, contributing to stronger, more resilient communities. As these stable family structures decrease, the social fabric of our nation weakens.

The family unit—specifically the marriage relationship between one man and one woman—is the foundation of a strong society. Strong families create strong communities, and communities built on Biblical principles of marriage and family foster healthy, thriving societies. It is essential that we recognize the importance of protecting and defending the family structure that has served as the backbone of our nation’s success.

Concerned Women for America’s Role in Protecting the Family

Concerned Women for America (CWA) has long been at the forefront of the battle to protect the building block of society. Affirming that marriage is between one man and one woman, CWA works tirelessly to preserve and protect the Biblical design of marriage and the sanctity of the family. Through public campaigns, legislative advocacy, and policy initiatives, CWA has made the defense of the family a core focus of its mission. They are advocating for laws that protect marriage, promote family stability, and ensure that children grow up in environments that foster godly instruction.

A Thanksgiving Prayer for the Restoration of the Family

The decline of the nuclear family is not an inevitability—it is a challenge we can meet head-on by standing firm in our faith, reclaiming the Biblical model for marriage and family, and restoring the foundation that built this nation. As Psalm 127:1 reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”

This Thanksgiving, let us pray for a renewal of the family, a return to the sacred institution of marriage, and a recommitment to raising our children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4). This is not just a political issue—it is a spiritual one. The strength of our families is directly tied to the health of our nation. If we are to restore the strength of our nation, we must return to the Biblical foundation of the family, which has always been the key to America’s strength—and to our future.